System and method for treatment of wastewater via enhanced electroflotation

Abstract

A method for treating wastewater involves electrolyzing a stream of seawater and wastewater mix within one or more electrolytic cells mounted outside a batch tank. The electrolyzed stream is piped to a quelling chamber which is mounted above the batch tank. A diluted polymer solution is injected at upstream of an in-line mixer piping into the quelling chamber substantially concurrently with the electrolyzed stream. The polymer solution and the electrolyzed stream are dispersed as a fine shower over residual seawater and wastewater in the batch tank. The polymer solution facilitates flocculation of the suspended solid particles and creates a distinct buoyant layer of flocculated solid particles attached with micro bubbles. A substantially clarified effluent is separated from the flocculated layer and neutralized prior to discharge. The flocculated layer is pumped from the batch tank to a dewatering system where entrained solids are compacted to a desired level. A centrate generated during the solids/sludge dewatering step is recirculated to the batch tank prior to addition of seawater during a subsequent treatment cycle as a supplement to the seawater.